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Home > Waterslide Decals: Key Features, Types and Costs

Waterslide Decals: Key Features, Types and Costs

Whether for decoration, anti-counterfeiting, or usage instructions, waterslide (also called water-transfer) decals are a common choice for carbon rims and wheels. As the name suggests, waterslide decals use water to release the printed graphic from its backing paper, allowing it to be transferred onto a smooth, hard surface.

Pros and Cons of Waterslide Decals

Pros of Waterslide Decals

Fine Details

Whether you want a single-color decal, a complex gradient, or intricate graphics, waterslide decals can deliver the desired visual effect.

Ultra-Thin Finish

Just a few microns thick, the decals leave a smooth finish on the rim.

High Customizability

Decals can be applied almost anywhere on the rim, whether on the sidewall or between two spoke holes on the inner circumference.

Durable Branding

Once applied, the decals are not easy to remove, making them suitable for permanent branding.

Cons of Waterslide Decals

High MOQ

The typical minimum order quantity is 100 pieces, which is enough for at least 100 rims. For growing brands or small bike shops placing small orders, this can lead to decal waste.

Limited Shelf life

Depending on the decal type, the typical shelf life ranges from 2 to 6 months (we'll cover this in more detail below).

Less Eco-Friendly

Compared with laser marking, waterslide decal production and application are generally less environmentally friendly.

Waterslide Decal Types

Solid Color or Metallic

Standard color-printed decals offer a clean, classic look. Gradient colors are also available for a more personalized design.

Metallic silver and gold decals are popular choices for brands looking for a more premium appearance. Brushed silver is another option that adds texture and visual detail to the graphics.

Please note that metallic decals have a relatively short shelf life of around 2 months, so it's best to plan production and orders accordingly.

Beneath or above the coating layer

For traditionally painted rims, decals can be applied either before or after the final clear coat is applied to the entire rim.

Covered solid-color decals (applied beneath the clear coat) have a relatively long shelf life of around 6 months. Decals applied above the coating layer have a shelf life of around 3 months.

For paint-free rims, solid-color decals are applied directly to the rim, with only a thin layer of varnish over the graphics for protection. Their shelf life is also around 3 months.

Metallic decals have a shorter shelf life of around 2 months, regardless of the rim finish.

Costs and Lead Time

Once you've decided to use waterslide decals and confirmed the design, the next step is to request a quotation and arrange a sample order. The typical lead time for waterslide decals is around two weeks. If you're preparing for a new product launch, it's best to plan your decal orders in advance. Here's a breakdown of the main costs:

1. Plate-making fee

A plate-making fee applies to new designs. It’ll be waived when the order quantity reaches 100 pieces.

2. Decal fees

The MOQ for decal reorders is 30 pieces, and no additional plate-making fee is required. For orders below 30 pieces, the plate-making fee applies again. If more than 10 pieces are needed, each additional decal is charged separately.

3. Decal application service

An application fee is charged for each rim.

FAQs on Waterslide Decals

Do Waterslide Decals Add Weight?

Waterslide decals are ultra-thin, so their weight contribution is minimal and generally falls within the normal rim weight tolerance.

When Is a Reference Line Necessary?

For irregular rim shapes or decal positions that are difficult to locate, reference lines on the transparent film can help ensure accurate placement. Printing reference lines requires a small additional charge.

What Paper Sizes Are Available for Graphic Designs?

The common paper sizes we use are 3K, 4K, 6K, 8K, 10K, 12K, and 16K.

Our graphic designer will select the appropriate paper size based on your graphic design, decal dimensions, and order quantity.

Can You Help with Graphic Design?

Yes. We can create the digital files needed for graphic design and decal production. This service is free of charge at NTP.

Can I Reapply Decals to Finished Rims?

Yes, it's possible, but additional rim surface treatment is required, which comes with an extra charge.

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